The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV
Not long ago at L Street Mission, a young woman was relating to me how she had overdosed earlier that week and was thankful that a nearby friend had administered Narcan and called 9-1-1. She was delighted to be alive. However, she was upset that who she thought was a trustworthy source had sold her "bad drugs." After assuring her we were thankful that she had not died, I asked her what she had learned. Instead of saying, "stop taking drugs," her reply was to "find a different source." It is genuinely heartbreaking to see this young woman, who has been in and out of treatment numerous times, continuing in this downward spiral of death. While she believes in God, she has yet to break the cycle of addiction. Instead, her mind still craves the desires of the flesh.
At L Street, we serve food and provide toiletries and clothing, but the reason God had led us to this ministry is not to act as another social agency but to share the good news and hope of Jesus Christ. God has not forgotten or abandoned them, but they are precious and worthy of his love. For people whose existence is marginalized, shunned by many, and live in fractured relationships with their families, the message that they are still worthy is powerful and redeeming. It is a matter of life and death, both of their physical and spiritual bodies, that they understand there is hope, and If they are ever to free themselves from addiction, it is only through the higher power of Jesus Christ.
While this example is heartbreaking–and far too common–we do not have to suffer drug addiction to be guilty of placing what we desire over God's desires. All sin is an addiction of sorts. The temptation to cave to our earthly urges is strong, and our mortal bodies are weak. However, those things we search for to satisfy our carnal cravings are temporary. The only cure for our sinful addictions, whatever they may be, is through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter how bogged down in sin we are; we can experience healing and restoration in his higher power. Through Jesus, we become sinners in recovery.
Almighty loving and gracious Father, we confess that it is only in you that we can find life and peace. Deliver us from the cravings of the flesh, help us to resist evil. We pray this in the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
PS To learn more about L Street Mission, don't hesitate to contact me at pastortim711@gmail.com.
Comentarios